Rep. Michael Michaud represents Maine's 2nd District in the United States Senate.

The broad-based economic stimulus package passed by Congress earlier this year has already provided millions of eligible Americans with tax relief. The problem is that not everyone has filed for the stimulus payments. The good news is that it is not too late - the deadline for filing is October 15th.

It's important to remember that those who don't normally need to file are eligible for a rebate. For example, anyone who receives at least $3,000 in Social Security income, self-employment income, or veterans' disability payments (including payments to survivors of disabled veterans) is eligible for a rebate. Many retirees and veterans do not normally file a tax return because their benefits are not taxable. This year, they must file in order to receive an economic stimulus payment.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also stressed that receiving the stimulus payment should have no impact on other federal benefits currently being received. The stimulus payment is not taxable. Absent any other filing requirements, filing a tax return to receive a stimulus payment does not mean that someone will have to start filing tax returns again.

In March, the IRS mailed information packages to recipients of Social Security or veterans benefits to alert them of their eligibility. Since then, according to the IRS, many eligible Mainers are missing out on money that they are eligible for. According to IRS statistics, about 74 percent of retirees and veterans are accounted for in the stimulus payments currently being sent, leaving about 5.2 million potential recipients remaining. In Maine, there are just over 30,000 eligible individuals who have yet to file.

To help raise awareness, the IRS recently announced a new summer campaign to reach those retirees and disabled veterans who qualify for the economic stimulus payment but have not filed to claim it. The package that IRS is sending out includes general information on the economic stimulus payments and instructions for claiming them. It will also include a blank 1040A form as well as a sample 1040A form that will guide Social Security and veterans benefits recipients through the process. The IRS guide will explain what lines need to be filled out on the form.

While the IRS is working hard to reach out, concerned Mainers need to know where to go to receive additional help and have their questions answered. The best place to call for help is the IRS helpline, which is 1-800-829-1040. When you call this number you may be prompted to listen to information about the economic stimulus package tax rebates. That recording will provide basic information and prompt you to visit their website, which is: www.irs.gov. The IRS website contains helpful information and their "frequently asked questions" section is particularly helpful. It also provides information about their Taxpayer Assistance Centers, which are sources for face-to-face personal tax help.

But most people with questions want to speak with an actual human. The best way to do this is to call their number, press 2, then 3 - this should connect you to an IRS employee who would be able to address specific questions about deadlines, eligibility, process, and timing of rebate checks.

At the end of the day, I am hopeful that all eligible Mainers have access to all the information that they need. If you know someone who is having trouble with their forms or have questions, please refer them to the information that I have provided here. And, as always, never hesitate contacting my office for assistance.